Two night break for a couple - somewhere a bit different?

[Whodrankmytea]

Looking to take my OH away in December (for his birthday). Looking for something a little different with things nearby to do if possible. City break maybe or coastal. Would love to find somewhere a bit quirky to stay but don't have an enormous budget. We like walking (if the weather is OK which can't be guaranteed in December), the odd bar for a drink and just mooching. Have done gin tours in the past and a couple of creative activities. Ideally no more than two hours of London. Any ideas and recommendations for things to do and places to stay please?

There’s lots to do in Liverpool and lots of bars but it is slightly further from London. How about a spa break? The Lifehouse in Essex is 90 minutes from London. Alternatively, how about Aldeburgh?

Have a look here, some fascinating places to stay all.over Britain.

https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/

I liked Hastings or Rye. Nice pubs and great walks if it's nice.

Bristol or Bath would be a good shout.bath has a lovely circular walk around the hills outside it if it's nice weather. Bristol is a bit grittier in places but interesting history and Clifton and the Downs are gorgeous.

Liverpool on the train is fairly fast and it's honestly got fab food and loads to see, the cathedrals, museums, docks etc.

Thanks everyone. @Rocknrollstar A spa break is a nice idea although I'm not a great fan and he'd like but wouldn't want any treatments. I love Suffolk and will look at that area (maybe Aldburgh).

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles Thanks - I'll take a look

@BigDahliaFan We've done Bath and Bristol and did like them. Not sure whether Liverpool is just too far away.

Liverpool is just over two hours by train and its a fantastic city to visit for a two night break, hell we fly into it ( Im in Northern Ireland )

We stay in the Ibis Styles hotel, mid week its £50 a night ( we always go budget ), they do a great breakfast and the tea/coffee/hot chocolate machines are left open all day along with buns and croissants etc to help yourself to

Liverpool is great for walking and so much to see.

Think the only transport we have ever used whilst there is the bus from the airport and one visit we did the Beetles Tour which also gave you the on off ticket for the day

Two hours by what? By train York and Liverpool are fantastic, by car not so much choice.

How about Ironbridge? Blisters Hill open air museum is a full day and fascinating, and there some smaller museums around it. Great pubs, that beautiful river and bridge.

Bit ditching the car and training into Liverpool is a good call. You won't need a car once you're there and you can stay relaxing sooner

There's plenty to do in Brighton and the Lanes would be ideal for mooching. Great choice of bars and some very quirky hotels.

Cotswolds somewhere? Good walks and pubs - somewhere like Moreton in the marsh maybe. Try holiday cottages uk page on Facebook, you might get a cheap deal in December (it's a page for holiday home owners to give offers/cheaper deals)

Whitstable (especially if you like seafood)
New Forest for walks

How about Oxford, and stay in the converted prison, right in the centre?
Lots of walks, city, historic, river, Morse etc

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HotelReview-g186361-d550129-Reviews-MalmaisonOxfordCastle-OxfordOxfordshireEngland.html

How about a Buddhist stately home?

madhyamaka.org/

Brighton and stay here www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk

Whitby. Dracula Walk. Ghost Walk. Dracula Experience.
Moon and Sixpence for drinks and food.
Moutreys for Italian.
The M&S have rooms too.

I stayed here for a wedding a few years ago. I got the tube to cockfosters then a taxi, but I felt a million miles away from London! They have extensive grounds and an arboretum. I think there was a golf course too. You might find cheaper rates for mid-week and they do have various events on.
https://www.westlodgepark.co.uk/

This one is in Suffolk and also have lovely grounds to walk around. They had a spa, but we didn't use it. I think they too offer better rates for mid week stays and have various themed nights.
https://hintleshamhall.co.uk/

You could search for murder mystery hotels if that is something you are into? Or a wine tasting evening? Wreath making classes? Cooking lessons?